Bootham Crescent ticket prices have been virtually frozen for York City's new life in the Conference.

Children's prices in the Family Stand have been cut to £5 from £6.50 to encourage more parents to bring their youngsters to the enclosure, although adult prices have been raised to £14 to bring them in line with the Popular Stand.

The age of juniors has also been reduced to under 16 instead of under 18 to cut out reported abuse of the system, although, student discounts will still apply. Plans are also in place to start up a Family Stand overflow system for when it sells out.

Managing director Jason McGill said: "Generally prices will remain the same next season, but there will be some minor adjustments.

"The age for juniors will be reduced from under 18 to under 16, but student discounts will still be available.

"This change has been introduced as a result of comments we have received from supporters suggesting the junior discount has been abused.

"The other significant change is that we have reduced the price for juniors in the Family Stand from £6.50 to £5. Hopefully this will give parents an incentive to bring their children to games.

"The Family Stand is often sold out, so to avoid disappointment and to encourage more younger fans, we are also considering providing a Family Stand overflow area next season."

Dedicated fans can benefit from a list of extras with a season ticket, with early birds buying before the end of June getting an extra two games free of charge.

Main Stand season tickets will be £256 or £160 concessions before the cut-off date, rising to £288 or £180 after. Bonuses for season ticket holders include guaranteed cup tickets - price not included - free membership to the Social Club and Travel Club and ten per cent off club merchandise.

Prices in the Popular Stand will be £244 and £128 rising to £252 and £162, with the David Longhurst regulars being asked to shell out £208 and £128 before June 30 or £234 or £144 after.

And, as in previous years, family season tickets are on offer in the enclosure. One adult and one child will cost £256 or £342, based on each adult making up £176 with extra juniors up to a maximum of three costing £80 each - or £252 and £90 after June 30, respectively.

Added McGill: "The basis of the decision was to ensure the survival and prosperity of the club next season."

Leeds United have confirmed a return to Bootham Crescent for a second pre-season friendly in as many years.

The former Premiership side will send a select XI to York on August 3 as part of preparations for their upcoming Division One debut.

The match will also provide a welcome boost to the Minstermen coffers with Leeds agreeing to split the gate receipts 3-1 in York City's favour.

Player-manager Chris Brass said: "This is a great pre-season fixture for us. On behalf of the club I would like to thank Leeds United for their co-operation.

"We will be receiving 75 per cent of the gate receipts, which is a significant gesture by Leeds considering their difficult financial situation.

"We hope fans of both teams will support the fixture which could prove to be an important income generator for us. Hopefully the Leeds XI will include some big names in football and some new signings and will prove to be as entertaining as last season's fixture."

Updated: 10:55 Friday, May 21, 2004